June 12, 2016: Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
“Our faith proclaims the sacredness of human life that magnifies dignity in the human person by universal, inviolable and inalienable human rights.” From Catholic Social Teaching: Seven Principles for Life https://cst74life.wordpress.com
Readings
First Reading: 2nd Samuel 12:7-10, 13
Psalm: 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11
Second Reading: Galatians 2:16, 19-21
Gospel: Luke 7:36-8:3
Catechism of the Catholic Church
During his public life Jesus not only forgave sins, but also made plain the effect of this forgiveness: he reintegrated forgiven sinners into the community of the People of God from which sin had alienated or even excluded them. A remarkable sign of this is the fact that Jesus receives sinners at his table, a gesture that expresses in an astonishing way both God’s forgiveness and the return to the bosom of the People of God. (1443)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: no references this week
For complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Reflection
If we do not acknowledge we are forgiven, than Jesus’ death on the cross was futile. If we continue to count our sins, even after running out of fingers to count them on, we fail to understand we are justified by faith not indebted to the law. If we ignore the law of love, the lavishness of God and fail to live with that lavishness towards others, we deny our sins have been forgiven. God’s forgiveness of our sins allows us to live, where sin entombs us. In isolation from others, we separate ourselves from service. Living in forgiveness, we find ways out of the ordinary confines of ritualism to manifest our gratitude. Ways brought forth from our soul, tears of joy to sooth away the tiredness of confronting sin with the evilness of languishing in unworthiness. A place of mulling can only be transformed by the freedom of forgiveness. Grasped by sin, we cannot freely give the kiss of peace and welcome to others, for sin divides. Prioritizing sin over forgiveness, sin creates a fear of living in the world and fear of God’s condemnation. Fear of the “other”, because we welcome only conditionally, not seeing everyone as the human family. If we trivialize our forgiveness, our love is miniscule. Our lives fail to cross the hurdle of moving beyond confines of the law to the place of faith. Faith to realize we no longer live in the paradox of our own puniness, but the forgiveness of Christ, the love of Christ, the mystery of Christ lives within us to anoint us with hope. Faith saves us from the intrepidation of trying to live by the law and allows us to live in peace. A peace multiplied exponentially if the collective Body of Christ acknowledges forgiveness of transgressions by living lives of service and welcome. For being forgiven imparts not a smugness, but blessedness, a happy, joyful rejoicing. Do our lives reflect this? Do our parishes abound with this? Does our Church proclaim this? How does forgiveness give us the courage to ask these questions and live beyond classifying ourselves as sinners, instead of children of a lavish God? How would answering that question with a positive affirmation transform our lives, our relationships, our Church and our world? What holds us back from desiring God’s love? What holds us back from faith that sends us forth in peace? Let us be witnesses to Gospel values and willing to venture forth from the forgiveness we have received to proclaim forgives and its bountiful ramifications with our lives.
Individual Reflection: Luke 7:36-8
Journal this week about living as a forgiven child of a lavish God.
Family Reflection: Galatians 2:16, 19-21
Discuss what forgiveness means to each family member.
Prayer:
June 13th is the memorial of St Anthony of Padua. Ask his intercession in your prayer this day.
Blogs to Visit:
As we reflect upon Mary’s presence in the mysteries of the Rosary, we are blessed to know her. For her journey, a timeless trek, calls us to surrender, continuing conversion, humbleness and justice now.
http://peaceonjustice.wordpress.com/
Weekly lectionary reflections, for faith sharing groups, parish bulletins, newsletters or personal prayer, from the synergy of the Word we hear and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.
https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.
How we do Catholic Social Teaching.
https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born May 28, 2016 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.